Qatar files WTO complaint over embargo by Gulf neighbors – Aug
Qatar files WTO complaint over embargo by Gulf neighbors
The complaint accuses Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates of violating the trade group’s “core laws and conventions on trade of goods and services, and trade-related aspects of intellectual property,” according to a statement from Qatar’s ministry of economy and commerce.
The three gulf states cut diplomatic ties and transport links with Qatar on June Five, accusing it of funding terrorism. Qatar has denied the accusations.
Egypt, which is also participating in the embargo, was not named in the WTO complaint.
Qatar has been put under pressure by the embargo, and the gas-rich nation has been compelled to engineer alternative supply chains. Cows have been flown in to ease a milk shortage, for example.
The complaint filed with the WTO includes a request for “formal consultations” inbetween Qatar and its neighbors. If an agreement is not reached within sixty days, the WTO will convene a dispute settlement panel.
“Qatar asks these countries to sit at the dialogue table and embark holding such consultations,” said the statement from Qatar.
It can take years for the trade group to mediate disputes, which can result in retaliatory penalties.
The WTO confirmed that it had received the complaint.
The UAE’s economy ministry said in a statement that “the economic measures taken against Qatar don’t contradict [WTO] agreements [because they pertain to] national security.”
That argument is likely to form the basis of the group’s defense at the WTO, which has in the past permitted exceptions based on national security concerns.
Representatives for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia did not instantaneously react to requests for comment.
The countries have sought to extract concessions from Qatar in comeback for restoration of diplomatic and economic ties. The requests include closing the state-funded Al Jazeera media network, reducing diplomatic ties with Iran, and halting the construction of a Turkish military base in Qatar.
Qatar’s foreign minister has said his nation wouldn’t conform with any requests that it considers a disturbance of international law.
There are few signs of progress as the crisis approaches the end of its 2nd month.
Foreign ministers signifying the quartet said Sunday they are ready to talk, but not to back down from their requests.
“Dialogue doesn’t mean there are concessions,” said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir.